I wish Restaurant 3 in Clarendon was still open - that was my go-to for things like this! I love Circa. (Clarendon, Foggy Bottom, Dupont.) You could do Mussel Bar or Lyon Hall if you like mussels, Rustico in Ballston or Alexandria, Grand Cru if you're into wine, Fuego if you like mexican food. Boulevard Woodgrill is generally a safe choice. And there's a ton of cool places in DC that have opened in the last couple of years. (we had drinks at Baby Wale the other night - it's by the convention center. The place was pretty cool, and the food is probably good, since it's an offshoot of Corduroy.)

If the weather is nice, maybe the rooftop of Eventide or POV at the W Hotel.

The Chart House has a good happy hour if you are looking for something casual but it can get a little crowded dependin on the night.

Two early thirty something moms planning midweek cocktails and dinner. Not looking to get picked up but also don't want to hang with the blue hairs any recs for good food/drinks/ambiance?